How Essential Fatty Acids Keep Skin Healthy

Who knew that essential fatty acids and skin go hand-in-hand. Consuming fatty acids should be part of your skin care regimen, and here's why:

What Are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential fatty acids are some of the "good fats" that your body needs for healthy performance. 'Essential' designates these fatty acids as ones that are not made by the human body, and therefore must be replenished through food. These fatty acids are responsible for regulating cell function. They maintain the integrity of cellular walls, and allow transference of waste and water. This function plays a big part in skin health.

Skin Cells and Fatty Acids

Youthful skin is full of plump, water-filled cells. A skin cell's ability to hold water decreases with age. A healthy skin cell has a healthy membrane, which keeps good things in, like water and nutrients, and allows waste products to pass out. It is a fatty acid's job to keep that cell healthy and its membrane functioning. Not getting enough essential amino acids results in unstable membranes that cannot keep their buoyant shape, which in turn leads to saggy, aged skin.

Prevents Acne

Soft, non-oily skin is among the skin types least likely to suffer acne flare-ups. Acne occurs when glands over produce the substances keratin and sebum. They clog skin pores and result in skin infections. Essential fatty acids have a two-fold benefit for acne. First, they cause healthy cell transference, which helps dissolves the fatty deposits that block pores and cause acne. They also work to repair the skin damaged by pimples and blemishes.

Helps with Cellulite

There is no quick fix or final answer for getting rid of your cellulite. Depending on their genetics, even the thinnest of supermodels sometimes must struggle with the bumpy appearance of fat deposits pressing against the skin. However, essential fatty acids might help in the battle. There is evidence to suggest that the healthier and more supple your skin cells, the less intense the appearance of cellulite. Consuming plenty of essential fatty acids will give your skin cells more fullness and flexibility, and thereby possibly reducing the appearance of cellulite.

The Best Foods For Healthy Skin

Essential fatty acids are a must for healthy, youthful skin. Most essential fatty acids can be consumed in healthy foods. Flax seed, walnuts, salmon and canola oil, eaten in moderation, all contain enough of these fatty acids to have a positive effect on your skin. The essentials you are trying to get are omega 3 and omega 6, two of the most important components of healthy skin.

If healthy, youthful appearing skin is a priority to you, there are treatments and precautions you can take to insure your skin's lifespan. Don't neglect proper nutrition in the form of essential fatty acids to keep you skin cells full, flexible and strong.